The Chicago Bulls looked like an also ran, run out of the Celtics building, 116-93. The Chicago Bulls trailed by 20 at the half, and looked every bit the NBA lottery team, while the Boston Celtics improved to 48-12, leaders of the NBA Eastern Division.
The Bulls were led by backup Guard Ben Gordon, who poured in 20 points, while new acquisition Larry Hughes added 16. Ben Gordon had 4 assists as well. Joakim Noah, now the starting Center since the trade of Ben Wallace, played relatively well versus the Celtics’ big-men, scoring 10 points to go with 7 rebounds.
The Chicago Bulls lost an opportunity to keep up with the New Jersey Nets, who currently are the 8th seed in the NBA East. The Bulls are at 25-37, and play versus the Detroit Pistons, another difficult contest, Sunday night.
The Bulls, even if a run is to be made for the 8th seed, would face these same Boston Celtics in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. Not a pleasant thought considering the carnage of this game. Kevin Garnett had 16 points and 8 boards, and should go over 20,000 career points in his next outing.
The 4th Quarter was garbage time for both the Bulls and the Celtics, and old friend PJ Brown was actually inserted, as well as new Celtic Sam Cassell, looking for another ring this year.
New Chicago Bulls big-man Drew Gooden did not come to play, going for only 3 points and 4 rebounds in the loss. He is the only real low-court presence for the Bulls, and will be needed desperately down the stretch if any kind of NBA Playoffs push is to be realized.
